How to prepare for a video visit about Celiac Disease (Education)

Audience: pediatric

Celiac disease is a condition where the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This can cause problems in the digestive system and affect a child's growth and health. Preparing for a video visit about celiac disease helps families get the most from their appointment. During the visit, healthcare providers will ask about symptoms, diet, and family history. They may suggest tests to confirm the diagnosis. It's important to share accurate information and have questions ready. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and follow-up but cannot replace in-person exams or emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours — seek emergency care immediately.
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down — go to the nearest emergency department.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, little or no urine output, dizziness, or lethargy — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to celiac disease.
• Providing education about celiac disease and gluten-free diet.
• Reviewing test results and explaining next steps.
• Offering guidance on managing symptoms and diet.
• Answering general questions about the condition.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or procedures.
• Diagnosing celiac disease without necessary tests.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms.
• Prescribing medications that require in-person evaluation.
• Providing urgent care for complications.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, which is found in foods like bread, pasta, and cereal. When a child with celiac disease eats gluten, their body damages the small intestine, making it hard to absorb nutrients. This can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and tiredness. Some children may have no symptoms but still need testing.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, diet, and any family history of celiac disease or similar conditions. Write down questions or concerns you have. Make sure your device has a good internet connection and that you are in a quiet, private space for the visit. Have a list of current medications and any recent test results ready to share.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's health, symptoms, and eating habits. They may discuss the need for blood tests or a referral for a biopsy to confirm celiac disease. The provider will explain how to manage the condition, usually by following a gluten-free diet, and may suggest seeing a dietitian.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If your child has severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, little urine, or dizziness), or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. These are not conditions that can be safely managed through telemedicine.

Managing Celiac Disease After Diagnosis

After diagnosis, your child will need to avoid gluten to help their intestine heal and prevent symptoms. Regular follow-up visits may be needed to monitor growth and nutritional status. Support from healthcare providers and dietitians can help manage the diet and lifestyle changes.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur.
• Note any family history of celiac disease or related autoimmune conditions.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements your child is taking.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a reliable internet source.
• Find a quiet, private space for the video visit to maintain confidentiality.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by the healthcare provider, such as scheduling tests or referrals.
• Start or continue a gluten-free diet if recommended, and seek dietitian support if available.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and growth, noting any changes to report.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised to track progress.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

What foods should my child avoid if they have celiac disease?

Children with celiac disease should avoid all foods containing gluten. This includes wheat, barley, rye, and any products made from these grains. Many processed foods may contain gluten, so reading labels carefully is important.

Can celiac disease be cured?

There is no cure for celiac disease, but symptoms can be managed by following a strict gluten-free diet. This helps the intestine heal and prevents further damage.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves blood tests to check for specific antibodies and may require a biopsy of the small intestine. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the testing process.

Is it safe to start a gluten-free diet before testing?

It is important not to start a gluten-free diet before testing because it can affect test results and make diagnosis difficult. Follow your provider's instructions about diet before tests.

Can my child outgrow celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. Children do not outgrow it, so ongoing management with a gluten-free diet is necessary.

Sources

1. Celiac Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Celiac Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Celiac Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Celiac Disease: Patient Version — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.